The most coverage came on cable news and radio, with 12% of each devoted to the story, the radio side driven by conservative talkers weighing in, according to the study, and Fox coverage helping boost the cable numbers.

"[T]he sight of a Democratic White House locking horns with a conservative-leaning cable outlet proved to be irresistible fodder for much of the rest of the media," as well, said PEJ.

After the economy, the top five news stories were Afghanistan (13%), Health care (10%), swine flu (5%), and Fox vs. the administration.